Epic Bay Area Project 2007

Summer Projects are cool. I know that I'm biased by the fact that these are a part of my job, but I really think these Projects are some of the best things that we offer to students and staff. The true indicator of what I really think about Projects is the fact that I'd be willing to pay to participate in one (oh wait, I am paying already...hmm). Last year, the Project checked in at a not-so-whopping 8 student participants. Crusade doesn't normally conduct Summer Projects with so few students. But with committed staff and committed leadership, we got the thing up and running. When all was said and done, it was an incredible experience and one that I am so glad we didn't give up on. One major lesson for me was that God accomplishes His purpose...every time. He can't be thwarted by our disobedience, our lack of faith, our sins, our issues, our uncertainty or fear. He can't be swayed from His purpose by a lack of resources or a lack of people. What a privilege, then, for us to step into the redemptive plan that He has always been executing and will continue to do so until it bears its fruit.

This year, we have 16 students coming on Project. Amazingly, we prayed that God would double the numbers from last year and that's exactly what He's done. Those of you who aren't familiar with Crusade, one of the biggest challenges to starting a new Summer Project is the recruiting of students/publicity to get your name out. There are dozens of Projects available for students and it can be difficult to gain recruiting momentum for a new one. The fact that God answered our prayers exactly...not one more and not one less reminds us of who is actually running the show.

So, tomorrow, the students arrive to join the 9 of us staff. We have people from Texas, Oregon, California, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and Rhode Island who will come together in this place. Our prayer and desire is for nothing less than life-transformation...of ourselves and those we come in contact with. I'll keep a running diary of our days here, so if you're praying with us, check back for updates.


This is a picture of our staff team (minus me), taken during our afternoon trip to Half Moon Bay, CA.